AHFA requires that a project-specific Environmental Site Assessment ("ESA") Phase I Report be submitted for each application by a qualified third-party Environmental Professional ("EP"). The forms should adhere to the following guidelines and requirements:
Environmental Requirements
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NEW
AHFA’s current Environmental Policy Requirements (Addendum B) state that all Phase I Environmental Site Assessments must comply with “the current version of the ‘ASTM Standard Practice for Environmental Site Assessments: Phase I Environmental Site Assessment Process’ as of the date the Phase I ESA is completed.” AHFA is aware that ASTM replaced ASTM E1527-13 with ASTM E1527-21 on November 1, 2021. However, as of the date of this notice, neither the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) nor HUD have adopted the new ASTM standard. Until such time as EPA or HUD adopt the new ASTM standard or AHFA withdraws this notice, AHFA will accept Phase I ESAs that comply with the ASTM E1527-13 standard and all other requirements of AHFA’s Environmental Policy Requirements. 1/6/22
Environmental Fees
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Third-Party Fees
Applicant will be required to pay or reimburse any third-party costs incurred during the application process as it pertains to the review of the environmental report(s) submitted by the applicant and resulting from changes in the application, which may result in additional third-party fees being incurred by AHFA, including without limitation, legal fees, architect and engineer's fees, consultant (construction or otherwise) fees, and environmental fees etc. In addition, AHFA may, at its sole discretion, require applicant to provide advance deposits and require an increase or replenishment of such deposits, in amounts sufficient to cover all third-party costs that AHFA reasonably anticipates incurring under this paragraph.
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Environmental Extension Penalty
A fee will be charged in the amount of initial reservation fee paid for each project that accepts a current or future year allocation of Housing Credits under Section (IV)(I)(7) of the HOME Action Plan.
Environmental Testing
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Radon
Report the Alabama Department of Public Health radon zone for the county in which the project is located. New Construction projects in all zones will require radon resistant new construction practices in all buildings pursuant to the radon requirements in the most recent version of HUD’S Multifamily Accelerated Processing (MAP) Guide. All new construction and rehabilitation projects must comply with all requirements of the most recent version of the HUD’s MAP Guide, including, but not limited to the requirements regarding Radon Professionals and testing protocols, post-construction testing for all new construction and substantial rehabilitation projects, mitigation for new construction and substantial rehabilitation projects where post-construction testing indicates radon levels in excess of the acceptable levels, and mitigation for substantial rehabilitation projects where early testing is not feasible.
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Lead-Based Paint
Lead-Based Paint Testing Report - if the proposed project involves rehabilitation, removal, or demolition of a building built prior to 1978, the applicant must provide a LBP report at the time of application and at the applicant's expense. AHFA requires all LBP to be completely abated (eliminated). A list of licensed LBP contractors can be obtained from the Alabama Department of Public Health.
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Asbestos
Asbestos Testing Report - an asbestos testing report will be required on every project that includes demolition or rehabilitation of any structure. All friable and non-friable ACM in deteriorated condition must be completely abated. An asbestos contractor's listing may be obtained from the Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM) at 334.271.7700 or www.adem.state.al.us. Operation & Maintenance Plan for asbestos must be implemented if ACMs are to be left in place. Non-friable ACMs may be managed in place if in an "intact" condition. A site-specific Operation & Maintenance Plan for asbestos must be implemented if ACMs are to be left in place.